Healthy Living Liaison -- Diversity through Health Empowerment Program

What problem would you like to solve?

Health disparity among Black and Latino communities on issues pertaining to their health. Reducing the morbidity of preventable diseases within our communities.

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

It is important because people find themselves extremely troubled by health choices and they don't have proper resources in place to assist them, especially in the BIPOC community. There are illiterate/uneducated community members, immigrants, and many others with English language deficits who don't know how to advocate for themselves when dealing with health care providers, especially those who are not BIPOC.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

Guide people in their health options and outcomes, from food choices to more involved treatment options. Empowerment seminars/programs; diversity/inclusion health officers who are educated in health, diversity, racism, and implicit bias in the health care system, and who take that knowledge and educate the vulnerable members of our community.

Who would that help?

Black and Latino community members and immigrants who are poor, uneducated, and/or have English language deficits.

What neighborhood would benefit from your idea?

Mott Haven, Port Morris, Melrose